Governors yesterday called for collective action by citizens to build a stronger and united Nigeria as the country marks Independence Day anniversary.
In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani urged Nigerians to remain patriotic, hopeful, and committed to building a better nation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged fellow Nigerians to embrace greater unity and a shared sense of purpose.
The governor noted that the nation possesses the human talent, capacity and abundant natural resources required to drive sustainable development and achieve greater prosperity.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the country endured a civil war, prolonged military rule, economic difficulties and political crises because of the sacrifices and resilience of its citizens.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori told Nigerians to make the necessary sacrifices to build a country.
Sanwo-Olu spoke after a special jum’at service to commemorate the 66th National Independence Day, held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and other differences and work together towards building a stronger, peaceful and prosperous nation.
‘Part of the challenge is that we are not united as a people. We see ourselves differently, so there is no coincidence of purpose. If we unite and come together, we have the talent, ability, and resources to lift this country.
‘So, I am saying that unity is very important, and that’s the major challenge that we face,’ said Sanwo-Olu.
Uzodimma spoke yesterday at a special thanksgiving and Eucharistic Service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said the responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria should not be left to government alone, urging citizens to obey the law, reject dishonesty and protect resources entrusted to them.
Uzodimma acknowledged the economic pressures facing families and businesses, saying government must ensure that citizens’ sacrifices translate into improved living conditions.
‘Leadership begins at home,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria’s progress requires responsible conduct from citizens as well as accountable leadership.
Catholic Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rev. Lucius Ugorji, admonished Nigerians to take personal responsibility for the country’s renewal.
The cleric stated that the quest for a better Nigeria must begin with a change in the character and conduct of its citizens.
Oborevwori, who spoke at the 66th Independence thanksgiving service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, urged the present and future generations to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience.
Paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, the governor urged fellow Nigerians to demonstrate their love for the country by praying for its peace and prosperity.
He maintained that the Church’s continued intercession for Nigeria remained critical to the nation’s progress.
Oborevwori said: ‘Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint.’
The governor, who emphasised the importance of wisdom in governance and leadership, urged public servants and politicians to remember that their positions were held in trust for the people.
‘At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.
‘Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,’ he said.
Oborevwori added that public officials would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and commitment to the common good.
He also urged public servants, politicians and other leaders to make service to the people their top priority, stressing that every position of public trust must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and accountability.
The governor, who said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence called for gratitude to God, noted that the country had made steady progress, particularly in the area of democratic governance.
He said: ‘On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting.’
According to him, the Church has an important role to play in sustaining peace and stability in the country through prayers, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7 to ‘seek the peace of the city’ and pray for it.
He said the peace and security enjoyed by individuals were dependent on the peace of the country, adding that the relative peace in Delta State was achieved through the contributions of Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Community Leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.
The Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.
Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would unlock its potential and restore its rightful place in the comity of nations.
He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as key responsibilities of citizens, stressing that no nation attained greatness by accident.
Also, in a message delivered on his behalf by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Yunana Markus Barde, at an interdenominational church service held at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Kaduna, to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, Governor Sani said his administration remained an empathetic leadership that believes in the unity of all people in the state through development programmes in security, health, road projects, agricultural support for farmers, and assistance for vulnerable people.
He noted that 64 years after independence in 1960, Nigeria has gone through both pleasant and unpleasant experiences but must continue striving to become better.
‘I believe in Nigeria too. This is our home, this is our nation. If we don’t do what is necessary to make the nation better, foreigners will not come and put our nation in order,’ Governor Sani said.
He added: ‘As we enter the 65th year of Nigeria’s independence, I urge us all to continue being patriotic and be hopeful to build a Nigeria for the upcoming generation to call a country. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. With God, all things are possible. Our labor over Nigeria will never be in vain.’
Also, the State Pastor and Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Pastor Yakubu Kezi, said Nigeria is ordained to be a great nation and that God’s purpose for the country shall come to pass.
He said: ‘Nobody shall develop our country from the outside. We are the ones who will develop this country ourselves. There is nothing we are looking for anywhere in the globe that is not available in this country. God has blessed Nigeria with human capital, natural resources, and great leaders. All we require now is the will to turn them into assets.’